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Thailand

Ayuthaya

Former Capital of Thailand, 1350-1767

The remnants of Thai glory remain at the former capital of Ayuthaya, about 60 miles from Bangkok. Ayuthaya was conquered by Burma, and never rebuilt, as Bangkok became the new capital. Parts of Ayuthaya survived, and its style of architecture continued in Bangkok on an even grander scale.

Ayuthaya's most famous survivor is this head of Buddha preserved in the roots of a tree. The temple that used to stand here was destroyed by the Burmese.

This Buddhist Temple, Wat Na Phra Meru, was already 200 years old when it survived the Burmese conquest and sacking of Ayuthaya in 1767.

Inside the temple is a gigantic golden Buddha from the era of Ayuthaya splendor.